New Is Not Always Better. Accord Sedan Is The Proof

After three decades, Honda still relies on the same ethos and techniques it always employed to make its cars the perfect encounter of excellence and efficiency. The new Accord Sedan is no exception.

However, while the new Accord model will feels and run the same to any Honda owner, many things have changed. For instance, there are three new engines, a trio of satisfying transmissions, including a manual one, a new, bold exterior design and an updated infotainment system.

More specifically, the non hybrid powertrain lineup is now made of two turbocharged four-cylinder engines, which replace a four-cylinder and a V-6. A hybrid variant will join the rest of the family in early 2018, thus completing the new Accord’s lineup.

A Honda also offers six-speed manual transmission with two of the Accord’s engines (avid, old-school drivers are sure going to enjoy this option) and the available trim opportunities are very satisfactory.

The Sport 2.0T R–derived turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, for a $31,185 is one of them. The 1.5-liter turbo four in the $26,655 Sport 1.5T model is another, but they both leave quite a lot of room for your driving enjoyment.

Furthermore, a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) on the 1.5T and a new 10-speed automatic on the 2.0T is a no-cost option in both trims and some of the atandard features on the Accord Sport 2.0T include:

• 12-way power driver’s seat

• Blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

• 19-inch wheels and tires

In terms of acceleration, when the Accord’s new 2.0-liter engine is paired with the 10-speed automatic, it’s quicker to 60 mph by only a few tenths of a second than the V-6. 5.5 seconds is what it takes to get from zero to 60 mph, which makes this Accord a member of the sports sedans family.

A 2018 Accord with the same 2.0-liter engine and a six-speed manual transmission, however, is slightly slower, but it still stands tall among similar cars. The entry-level 1.5T engine needs a little longer to reach 60 mph, but its 7.3-second effort when equipped with a CVT nearly matches the efforts of a Mazda 6, and is 0.3 second quicker than last year’s four-cylinder Accord with the CVT.

The Accord’s interior is quite spacious. The rear-seat passengers will probably be more comfortable in this car rather than in almost any other mid-size sedan.The Accords powered by the 1.5T engine include feature such as the option for drivers to opt into the Sport trim before power-adjustable seats are available on the menu and choose the EX trim for heated seats. The top Touring trim, on the other hand, is probably the fancier one as it includes heated and cooled leather front seats, heated rear seats, and a head-up display.

When it comes to the exterior design, it is clear that Honda decided to go for a stronger look, more aggressive and sporty. The downturned nose and the large chrome bar across the top of the grille certainly achieves this goal and sets this car apart from its competitors.

The Accord is now slightly shorter in both length and height compared with last year’s model, but it has gained almost half an inch in width. Such changes are also intended to make the Accord’s silhouette to look more aggressive.

Change is not always for the better, Honda has proved that with this year’s Accord Sedan. You can make it yours for $24.000.